System and method for tracing bank notes

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for tracing bank notes or, specifically, counterfeit money. In one example of the tracing system, an automatic teller machine (ATM) electronically connected to one or more devices is provided. The one or more devices comprise a deposit device configured to receive an initial bank note; an image extraction device configured to extract one or more initial images from the initial bank note; a transaction log device configured to attach a transaction log to the one or more initial images, wherein the deposit device is further configured to receive a subsequent bank note, wherein the image extraction device is further configured to extract one or more subsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and a comparison device configured to compare the one or initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order to obtain a comparison result.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/715,367, filedNov. 19, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference. This application claims priority to JP 2003-171476, filedJun. 17, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to tracing counterfeit moneyand, more particularly, to tracing counterfeit money by way of advancedrecognition devices.

2. Discussion of Background

Law enforcement agencies often require banks to report a transaction logof a counterfeit bank note that is deposited into an automatic tellermachine (ATM) of the bank. A bank note is any form of currencyrecognized by banks. To comport with law enforcement requirements, bankstypically have procedures for tracing bank notes deposited into theirATM machines.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional tracing system 100 forinforming law enforcement agencies of counterfeit bank notes. An initialbank note 104 is deposited into an ATM 102 of a bank branch office 103.At that point in time, the bank does not know if the initial bank note104 is counterfeit or not.

The ATM 102 includes a device for recording a transaction log of alldeposited bank notes, including the initial bank note 104 of thisexample. An initial bank note 104 is guided to a bill discriminationunit in the ATM 102 to discriminate the bills denomination. The initialbank note 104 is then led to a written number read unit to read theserial number of the initial bank note 104. The initial bank note 104 isstored in a cartridge of the ATM 102 with other deposited bank notes.The serial number of the initial bank note 104 is stored in a cartridgememory of the ATM 102.

The cartridge is taken out of the ATM 102 and transferred to the bankcentral office 107. At the bank central office 107, high-levelvalidation 105 is performed on the initial bank note 104. If the initialbank note 104 is found to be a counterfeit bill, the initial bank noteundergoes subsequent procedures as a subsequent bank note 118. Note thatthe subsequent bank note 118 is physically the same bank note as theinitial bank note 104, but is referred to here as the subsequent banknote 118 to indicate subsequent procedures are performed.

The subsequent bank note 118 is taken back to the bank branch office103. The serial number of the subsequent bank note 103 is read out ofthe cartridge memory to trace the past passing route of the bank note. Atransaction log 114 is obtained from the bank branch office 103. Atypical transaction log 114 includes the date the bank note wasinitially deposited, a customer identification, and the total amount ofthe deposit. The transaction log 114 is then reported to the police 110and the bank central office 107.

Unfortunately, conventional tracing systems 100 lack comprehensive,fail-safe procedures for identifying and tracing counterfeit bank notes.For example, one recording device in a conventional tracing system 100uses merely the serial number of the bank note to keep track of the banknote deposited into the ATM 102. See, for example, Jap. Pat. publicationNo. 11-328493, “Device And System For Paper Sheet Data Management.”Another recording device uses the serial number in combination with thecustomer fingerprint image to keep track of the bank note and thecorresponding customer. See, for example, Jap. Pat. publication No.2000-322632, “Handling Device For Coins Or The Like.”

Problems are associated with using merely the serial number to identifya bank note. One problem with using the serial number is that acounterfeit note will oftentimes have the same serial number as agenuine bank note. Consequently, the conventional tracing system 100cannot distinguish between a genuine bank note and a counterfeit banknote having the same serial number. Another problem with using theserial number to identify a bank note is that a counterfeit note mayhave the same serial number as another counterfeit bank note.Consequently, the conventional tracing system 100 cannot distinguishbetween multiple counterfeit bank notes having the same serial number.Thus, conventional tracing systems 100 lack the minimal precision thatis required to accurately trace counterfeit bank notes and to catchsavvy criminals.

Other problems are associated with the device that captures an image ofthe serial number. Conventional imaging devices are not sufficientlyaccurate to capture reliably an image of a bank note's serial number.Further, conventional imaging devices are not sufficiently accurate tocapture reliably an image of a bank note's other parts as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that what is needed is a tracing system that cantrace bank notes at a higher level of accuracy. Broadly speaking, thepresent invention fills these needs by providing a system and method oftracing bank notes by way of advanced recognition devices. It should beappreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerousways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device or amethod. Several inventive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed below.

In one embodiment, an automatic teller machine (ATM) electronicallyconnected to one or more devices is provided. The one or more devicescomprise a deposit device configured to receive an initial bank note; animage extraction device configured to extract one or more initial imagesfrom the initial bank note; a transaction log device configured toattach a transaction log to the one or more initial images, wherein thedeposit device is further configured to receive a subsequent bank note,wherein the image extraction device is further configured to extract oneor more subsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and acomparison device configured to compare the one or initial images to theone or more subsequent images in order to obtain a comparison result.

In another embodiment, an interface to an automatic teller machine (ATM)of a bank is provided. The interface has one or more screens configuredto be displayed on a display of the automatic teller machine. The one ormore screens comprise a tracing mode, wherein use of the tracing moderequires special authorization by the bank; a kind option of the tracingmode, wherein the kind option is configured to be selected and toinitiate instructions to display a request to input a subsequent banknote of a particular kind; a start search option of the tracing mode,wherein the start search option is configured to be selected and toinitiate instructions to begin a comparison between subsequent images ofthe subsequent bank note and initial images of an initial bank note; anda comparison results screen of the tracing mode, wherein the comparisonresults screen is configured to display comparison results uponcompletion of the comparison.

In still another embodiment, a method of tracing bank notes is provided.The method comprises receiving a deposit of an initial bank note;extracting one or more initial images from the initial bank note;attaching an initial transaction log to the one or more initial images;receiving a deposit of a subsequent bank note; extracting one or moresubsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and comparing the oneor more initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order toobtain a comparison result.

Advantageously, the tracing system of the present identifies bank notesby using more than a mere serial number. Accordingly, the tracing systemcan distinguish between two different bank notes having the same serialnumber. The tracing system of the present invention traces bank notes ata high level of accuracy, and can therefore be relied upon during thepursuit of savvy criminals.

The invention encompasses other embodiments of a system, a method, anapparatus, and a computer-readable medium, which are configured as setforth above and with other features and alternatives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be readily understood by the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Tofacilitate this description, like reference numerals designate likestructural elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional tracing system for informinglaw enforcement agencies of counterfeit bank notes;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tracing system for tracing banknotes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is flowchart of a tracing method for tracing bank notes, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of operations of the image extractiondevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a data structure of transaction information and image data,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows an example interface for the ATM, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a comparison operation performed by thecomparison device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall comparison process, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of devices of the tracing system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An invention for a system and method of tracing bank notes is disclosed.Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be understood, however,to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practicedwithout some or all of these specific details.

General Overview

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tracing system 200 for tracing banknotes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Aninitial bank note 204 is deposited into a deposit device 206 configuredto receive the initial bank note 204. The deposit device 206 is locatedat the front of the automatic teller machine (ATM) 202 of the bankbranch office (not shown), and is easily accessible by a customer orother user. The ATM 202 is also configured to receive multiple differentbank notes. However, a single initial bank note 204 is discussed herefor explanatory purposes.

The initial bank note is transferred to an image extraction device 208.In this embodiment, the image extraction device 208 is shown to be apart of the ATM 202. However, the present invention is not so limited.Alternatively, the image extraction device 208 may be located externallyto the ATM 202.

The image extraction device 208 is configured to extract one or moreinitial images 216 from the initial bank note 204. The image extractiondevice 208 includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to convert ananalog image of the bank note into a corresponding digital image thatcan be processed as desired.

An important purpose of the image extraction device 108 is to extract asufficient number of initial images 216 to capture uniquecharacteristics of a bank note in order to uniquely identify the banknote. An extracted initial image 216 is preferably a combination of someof these unique characteristics of the bank note. An extracted initialimage 216 captures at least a portion of the front or back side of theinitial bank note 204. The image extraction device 208 preferably usesphotographic techniques to sense characteristics such as color,brightness, hue, intensity, unique markings, blood stains, ink stains,pencil marks, discoloration, abnormal coloring, damage areas, creases,holes, tears, etc. Other image capturing techniques may also be used tosense such characteristics. For example, other image capturingtechniques may involve use of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays,photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), chemicals, etc. Thus, an extracted image may be one of aphotographic image, an infrared image, an ultraviolet ray image, anx-ray image, a photoluminescent image, a chemiluminescent image, afluorescent image, a magnetic resonance image, a chemical image, orother type of image.

The initial images 216 may include different images of the initial banknote 204, where each different image captures unique characteristics ofthe initial bank note 204 while positioned in a different position.These different images include a front side image and a backside image.The position of the front side image and the position of the backsideimage depend on the direction the initial bank note is deposited.

Alternatively, the initial images 216 may include, for example, an imageof four different positions of the initial bank note 204. Further, theinitial images may be divided into groups of initial images in whicheach group of initial images includes image of the initial bank note inone particular position. A first position may be a front side forwardposition. A second position may be a front side backward position. Athird position may be a back side forward position. A fourth positionmay be a back side backward position. An important of purpose ofextracting images from multiple different positions is to increase theprecision of the tracing system 200, and to thereby increase overallaccuracy for tracing bank notes.

The initial images are transferred to a transaction log device 210configured to attach a transaction log 214 to the initial images 216.The transaction log includes the date and time of the initial deposit,the customer identification, the amount of the deposit, the image of thecustomer, and any other useful information. The transaction log 214 andthe corresponding initial images 216 are then stored in a storage device212 of the of the ATM 202. This embodiment shows the storage device 212as being a part of the ATM 202. However, the present invention is not solimited.

Alternatively, the storage device 212 may be located externally to theATM 202, wherein a network link in the ATM 202 is electronicallyconnected to the external storage device (not shown). Using a networklink to the external storage device, a copy of the initial images 216 issent to the external storage device. The external storage device isconfigured to store any image, including initial images and subsequentimages.

The Initial ATM 202 used for the initial deposit 204 is preferably thesame ATM 202, with the same image extraction device 208, used forsubsequent procedures. One advantage of using the same ATM 202 is thatthe same ATM 202 is likely going to interact with the subsequent banknote 218 in substantially the same way the ATM 202 interacted with theinitial bank note 204. Such a duplication in the behavior of the ATM 202will likely provide better accuracy during subsequent procedures,specifically, more accurate calculating of comparison results 224. Thesesubsequent procedures are discussed below. Alternatively, the initialATM 202 used for the initial deposit 204 by the customer of the initialbank note 204 is not the same ATM used for subsequent procedures. Usinga different ATM may, for example, be more convenient for the bankperforming the subsequent procedures.

The initial bank note 204 is transported to the bank central office (notshown) for further processing. At the bank central office, high-levelvalidation is performed on the initial bank note 204. If the initialbank note 204 is found to be a counterfeit bill, the initial bank note204 undergoes subsequent procedures as a subsequent bank note 218. Notethat the subsequent bank note 218 is physically the same bank note asthe initial bank note 204, but is referred to here as the subsequentbank note 218 to indicate subsequent procedures are performed.

The subsequent bank note 218 is transported back to the ATM 202 of thebank branch office (not shown). This embodiment shows the subsequentnote being deposited into the same ATM 202. However, the presentinvention is not so limited. For example, these subsequent proceduresmay be performed at any chosen ATM of the particular bank. The chosenATM may be connected to an image extraction device and to a network link(not shown) to the storage device 212.

Authorized personnel 620 deposits the subsequent note 218 into the ATM202 using the deposit device 206. The subsequent bank note 218 is thentransferred to the image extraction device 208. The image extractiondevice 208 is further configured to extract one or more subsequentimages 220 from the subsequent bank note 218. The subsequent images 220are extracted in an effort to associate the subsequent images 220 tocorresponding initial images 216, and to thereby trace the initial banknote 204. Accordingly, another important purpose of the imagesextraction device 108 is to extract a sufficient number of subsequentimages 220 to be able to associate the subsequent images 220 to initialimages 216. An extracted subsequent image captures at least a portion ofthe front or back side of the subsequent bank note 218.

The subsequent images 220 may include different images of the subsequentbank note 218, where each different image captures uniquecharacteristics of the subsequent bank note 218 while positioned in adifferent position. For example, the subsequent images 220 may includean image of four different positions of the initial bank note 204. Afirst position may be a front side forward position. A second positionmay be a front side backward position. A third position may be a backside forward position. A fourth position may be a back side backwardposition. The image extraction device is further configured to extractmultiple different images of each position of the subsequent bank note218, as shown in FIG. 2.

The ATM 202 includes, or is connected to, a comparison device 222configured to compare the initial images 216 to the subsequent images220. A comparison result 224 is obtained from the comparison operations.If the comparison result 224 indicates a match, the transaction logattached to the corresponding initial bank note 204 is retrieved.

More Details of the Tracing System

FIG. 3 is flowchart of a tracing method 300 for tracing bank notes, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This flowchartmay correspond to specific devices discussed above with reference toFIG. 2. However, the tracing method 300 is not limited to these specificdevices, and other suitable devices may be interchanged.

An initial bank note 204 is received in step 301. Step 302 involvesextracting initial images 216 from the initial bank note 204. In step304, a preliminary validation is performed on the initial bank note 204to determine if the initial bank note is genuine. This preliminaryvalidation involves determining the bank note type, for example, $1, $5,$20, or $100. The preliminary validation also involves performing aninitial counterfeit screening of the initial bank note 204. This initialscreening is not as robust as a more comprehensive screening that issubsequently performed at the central bank office. Further, thepreliminary validation involves determining the direction or position inwhich the bank note is received into the ATM 202.

A transaction log 214 is then attached to the extracted initial images216 in step 306. In step 308, the transaction log 214 and the initialimages 216 are stored in the storage device 212.

At a later point in time, it may desirable to find the transaction logof the initial bank note 204 because the initial bank note 204 is foundto be counterfeit.

Accordingly, a subsequent bank note 218 is received by the ATM in step310. In step 312, subsequent images 220 are extracted from thesubsequent bank note 218. Initial images are then selected from thestorage device 212, as well as from the group of subsequent images, instep 314. These selected images are compared using a score calculationoperation in 316. For example, initial images corresponding to aparticular initial bank note receive a particular score. Other initialimages corresponding to another particular initial bank note receiveanother particular score, and so on. All of the scores are then sortedin order of degree of similarity in step 318, wherein the highest scoreindicates the highest degree of similarity. The transaction log 214associated with the highest score is then retrieved in step 320.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of operations of the image extractiondevice 208, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.This example shows image extraction operations on a subsequent bank note218 for explanatory purposes. These operations generally may be appliedextracting images from an initial bank note 204 as well. FIG. 4 showsimage extraction of various specific positions of the subsequent bank218. However, the present invention is not so limited to these specificpositions, and other suitable positions may be used.

Improved matching results are achieved when comparisons of alldirections of the bank notes, including the initial bank note 204 andthe subsequent bank note 218, are performed. These directions includeall positions in which an initial bank note can be received into the ATM202. Further, improved comparison speed can be achieved when a group ofsubsequent images is compared with an initial image in a same position.In other words, if an initial image is of a particular position, timecan be saved by not comparing subsequent images of another particularposition.

In step 401, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into the ATM 202in a front side forward position. The front side forward position ispreferably deposited several different times by authorized personnel 620into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a different subsequentimage is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. These differentsubsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

In step 402, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into the ATM 202in a front side backward position. The front side backward position ispreferably deposited several different times by authorized personnel 620into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a different subsequentimage is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. These differentsubsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

In step 403, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into the ATM 202in a back side forward position. The back side forward position ispreferably deposited several different times by authorized personnel 620into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a different subsequentimage is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. These differentsubsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

Alternatively, the ATM 202 may be configured such that the subsequentimage 218 has to inputted only once. Devices of the ATM 202 may beconfigured to change positioning of the subsequent image 218automatically.

In step 404, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into the ATM 202in a back side backward position. The back side backward position ispreferably deposited several different times by authorized personnel 620into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a different subsequentimage is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. These differentsubsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

FIG. 5 shows a data structure 500 of transaction information and imagedata, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thedata structure 500 may be a linked list of data as shown in FIG. 5. Thedata structure 500 includes ATM information 501 and bank noteinformation 505. Alternatively, the data structure 500 may be acollection of separate structures, wherein each bank note information505 is separate and correlates to the ATM information 501. The ATMinformation 501 includes ATM specific information, such as ATMidentification 502 and number of bank notes 504 that have been depositedand recorded in the ATM 202. The bank note information 505 includes banknote specific information, such as bank note kind 506, bank notedirection 508, deposit date 510, user identification 512, mode flag 514to indicate a normal or counterfeit note, and image data 516 which mayinclude initial images 216 or subsequent images 220.

FIG. 6 shows an example interface 600 for the ATM 202, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The interface 600 includesone or more screens configured to be displayed on a display of the ATM202. The one or more screens include a normal transaction mode 601 and atracing mode 603. In a normal transaction mode 601, the ATM 202 isconfigured to display normal mode screens 602 and to perform normaltransactions with a bank customer. A normal screen 602 provides a partof the interface 600 that allows the bank customer to make normaltransactions, such as deposits of initial bank notes 204, withdrawals,foreign currency deposits, credit inquiries, etc.

On the other hand, access to the tracing mode 603 requires specialauthorization by the bank that has rights to the ATM 202. The ATM 202may be configured, for example, to require inputting of an authorizationcode in order to access tracing mode 503. Tracing mode 603 may beaccessed when authorized personnel 620 needs to deposit a subsequentbank note 218 into the ATM 202. In other words, when the initial banknote 204 is determined by the bank central office 410 to be counterfeit,that bank note is transported back to the ATM 202 as a subsequent banknote 218 in order to retrieve the transaction log 214.

In tracing mode 603, the ATM 202 is configured to display tracing modescreens 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612, and to perform tracing operations.Tracing mode screens provide parts of the interface 600 that allow theauthorized personnel 620 to perform procedures for retrieving thetransaction log 214. FIG. 6 shows five tracing mode screens 604, 606,608, 610, and 612 for explanatory purposes. However, the presentinvention is not so limited. Additional or fewer tracing mode screensmay be provided, depending on the specific design of the particularinterface 600.

A kind option screen 604 includes kind options 622 for selecting theparticular kind of denomination of the subsequent bank note 218. FIG. 6shows kind options 622 for $10, $20, $50, and $100. The kind option 622is configured to be selected and to initiate instructions to display arequest deposit screen 606. A kind option 622 is electronicallyconnected to a touch-sensitive portion of the display 904.Alternatively, a kind option 622 could be electronically connected to amechanical button (not shown) of the ATM 202.

The request deposit screen 606 displays a request to input a subsequentbank note 218 (counterfeit bank note). FIG. 6 shows the request depositscreen 606 asking for a counterfeit bank note with front side forwardfive times. The authorized personnel may then input the subsequent banknote 218 (counterfeit bank note). The dotted line in FIG. 6 indicatesthat several more request deposit screens may be included, each askingfor the same counterfeit bank note in a certain direction. Thediscussion with reference to FIG. 4 explains a procedure for extractinga subsequent image 220 from the subsequent bank note 218. Requestdeposit screen 608 displays an indication that the depositing procedureis finished.

The interface 600 is configured to then display a start search screen610. The start search screen 610 includes a start search option 624configured to be selected and to initiate instructions to begin acomparison between subsequent images 220 and initial images 216. In FIG.6, the start search option 624 is a “Yes” button, which iselectronically connected to a touch-sensitive portion of the display904. Alternatively, the start search option 624 may be electronicallyconnected to a mechanical button (not shown) of the ATM 202.

After the comparison operations are complete, the interface 600 isconfigured to display a comparison results screen 612. The comparisonresults screen 612 is configured to display comparison results of thecomparison between subsequent images 220 and initial images 216. FIG. 6shows the comparison results screen 612 as displaying the transactionlog 214.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a comparison operation 700 performed bythe comparison device 222, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 7 shows a comparison operation 700 between onesubsequent image 220 and one initial image 216. The images are digitaldata converted from analog images of bank notes. In this example, theimages include observation points. The observation points of thesubsequent image 220 have observation point values 706. Likewise, theobservation points of the initial image 216 have observation pointvalues 704. The observation point values are combined to describe imagecharacteristics, such as color, brightness, hue, intensity, uniquemarkings, blood stains, ink stains, pencil marks, discoloration,abnormal coloring, damage areas, creases, holes, tears, etc. Imagecapturing techniques used to obtain the observation point values mayinvolve use of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays,photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), chemicals, etc.

The observation point values 706 of the subsequent image 220 arecompared with corresponding observation point values 704 of the initialimage 216. One calculation technique for comparing the images involvesuse of a Euclid distance formula. For example, the Euclid distancebetween the images of FIG. 7 would be Equation 1 below.

Euclid Distance=√{square root over((120−110)²+(33−40)²+(56−66)²+(22−35)² K)}{square root over((120−110)²+(33−40)²+(56−66)²+(22−35)² K)}{square root over((120−110)²+(33−40)²+(56−66)²+(22−35)² K)}{square root over((120−110)²+(33−40)²+(56−66)²+(22−35)² K)}  Equation 1. Euclid DistanceBetween Images Of FIG. 7

A relatively high Euclid distance would indicate a low likelihood thatthe subsequent bank note 218 is the same as the initial bank note 204. Arelatively low Euclid distance would indicate a high likelihood that thesubsequent bank note 218 is the same as the initial bank note 204. Usingsuch a technique, a range of similarity could be predetermined such thata certain Euclid distance falling within the range of similarity wouldbe accepted as a match. Note that a Euclid distance formula is only onetechnique for comparing image data, and other suitable techniques may beused.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall comparison process 800 using aEuclid distance calculation, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The comparison process is carried out by at least thetracing system 200, including the comparison device 222 and other systemdevices 900.

In step 801 the subsequent images 220 are received. The tracing system200 then determines the direction (or position) of the subsequent banknote 218. Next, an initial image 216 from an initial bank note 204 mustbe selected. Accordingly, in step 804, the same direction of the initialimage is selected to match the direction of the deposited subsequentbank note 218. Next, the images are normalized in step 806 in order tofix a relative minimum and a relative maximum between the images. Instep 808, the positions are then corrected. Position correction involvesmaking sure adjusting the digital format of the images to ensure theposition of the subsequent image 220 is substantially the same as theposition of the initial image 216.

A Euclid distance between the images is then calculate in step 810. Anexample of a Euclid distance calculation is discussed above withreference to FIG. 7. Decision operation 812 involves determining whetherthe compared initial image is the last initial image 216 of the samedirection. If not, the comparison process 800 returns to step 806, whereanother initial image of the same is normalized with the subsequentimage 220. However, if the compared initial image is the last initialimage 216, the decision operation 814 determines whether the comparedsubsequent image is the last subsequent image 220 to be compared. Ifnot, the comparison process returns to step 802. If so, in step 816, allof the Euclid distances from all comparisons are sorted in order oflikelihood of a match. The comparison result is then provided in step818. Note that the comparison result does not necessarily have toindicate a match. The comparison result may indicate an initial banknote 204 having the highest likelihood of a match.

System And Method Implementation

Portions of the present invention may be conveniently implemented usinga conventional general purpose or a specialized digital computer ormicroprocessor programmed according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the computer art.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of devices 900 of the tracing system 200, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The devices 900are electronically connected by a bus 912. The tracing system 200includes a deposit device 206, an image extraction device 208, atransaction log device 210, a storage device 212, a comparison device222. The tracing system 200 also includes an input device 902, a displaydevice 904, a memory 908, a CPU 908, and a USB port 910. These devices900 are made up of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware.

Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilledprogrammers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will beapparent to those skilled in the software art. The invention may also beimplemented by the preparation of application specific integratedcircuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventionalcomponent circuits, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart.

The present invention includes a computer program product which is astorage medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in which canbe used to control, or cause, a computer to perform any of the processesof the present invention. The storage medium can include, but is notlimited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, mini disks (MD's),optical disks, DVD, CD-ROMS, micro-drive, and magneto-optical disks,ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memory devices(including flash cards), magnetic or optical cards, nanosystems(including molecular memory ICs), RAID devices, remote datastorage/archive/warehousing, or any type of media or device suitable forstoring instructions and/or data.

Stored on any one of the computer readable medium (media), the presentinvention includes software for controlling both the hardware of thegeneral purpose/specialized computer or microprocessor, and for enablingthe computer or microprocessor to interact with a human user or othermechanism utilizing the results of the present invention. Such softwaremay include, but is not limited to, device drivers, operating systems,and user applications. Ultimately, such computer readable media furtherincludes software for performing the present invention, as describedabove.

Included in the programming (software) of the general/specializedcomputer or microprocessor are software modules for implementing theteachings of the present invention, including, but not limited to,extracting one or more initial images from the initial bank noteattaching an initial transaction log to the one or more initial images,receiving a deposit of a subsequent bank note, extracting one or moresubsequent images from the subsequent bank note, and comparing the oneor more initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order toobtain a comparison result, according to processes of the presentinvention.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

1. An automatic teller machine (ATM) electronically connected to one ormore devices, the one or more devices comprising: a deposit deviceconfigured to receive a plurality of bank notes; an image extractiondevice configured to extract one or more initial images of the pluralityof bank notes; the image extraction device also being configured toreceive a counterfeit bank notes, which has been identified as beingcounterfeit at an external station, and extract one or more subsequentimages of the counterfeit bank note; a transaction log device configuredto attach a transaction log to the one or more initial images of theplurality of bank notes; a comparison device configured to compare theone or more initial images of the plurality of bank notes to the one ormore subsequent images of the counterfeit bank note in order to obtain acomparison result, the comparison device being configured to calculatescore values indicating a degree of similarity between the plurality ofbank notes and the counterfeit bank note as said comparison result andsort the score values in order of likelihood of a match between theplurality of bank notes and the counterfeit bank note; and a retrievaldevice which is configured to retrieve the transaction log attached toone of the plurality of bank notes, if the comparison device determinesthat the one or more initial images of said one of the plurality of banknotes are within a range of similarity to the one or more subsequentimages of the counterfeit bank note.
 2. The automatic teller machine(ATM) of claim 1, wherein the one or more devices further comprises atleast one of: a storage device configured to store the one or moreinitial images of the plurality of bank notes, the one or moresubsequent images of the counterfeit bank note and the transaction log;and a network link to an external storage device configured to store theone or more initial images of the plurality of bank notes, the one ormore subsequent images of the counterfeit bank note and the transactionlog.
 3. The automatic teller machine (ATM) according to claim 1, whereinthe image extraction device is further configured to: extract a frontside initial image in a first initial position; extract a front sideinitial image in a second initial position; extract a back side initialimage in a first initial position; and extract a back side initial imagein a second initial position.
 4. The automatic teller machine (ATM) ofclaim 3, wherein the image extraction device is further configured to:extract a front side subsequent image in a first subsequent position;extract a front side subsequent image in a second subsequent position;extract a back side subsequent image in a first subsequent position; andextract a back side subsequent image in a second subsequent position. 5.The automatic teller machine (ATM) of claim 4, wherein the comparisondevice is further configured to compare each subsequent image in eachsubsequent position a plurality of times to a corresponding initialimage.
 6. The automatic teller machine (ATM) of claim 1, wherein thecomparison device is further configured to analyze image characteristicsusing a Euclid distance formula, and further configured to determinewhether the one or more initial images and the one or more subsequentimages have a Euclid distance near zero, wherein the range of similarityincludes having a Euclid distance near zero.
 7. A method of tracing banknotes, comprising the steps of: receiving deposits of a plurality ofbank notes; extracting one or more initial images from the plurality ofbank notes; attaching an initial transaction log to the one or moreinitial images of the plurality of bank notes; receiving a deposit of acounterfeit bank note, which has been identified as a counterfeit banknote; extracting one or more subsequent images from the counterfeit banknote; comparing the one or more initial images of the plurality of banknotes to the one or more subsequent images of the counterfeit bank noteby calculating score values indicating a degree of similarity betweenthe plurality of bank notes and the counterfeit bank note in order toobtain a comparison result and sorting the score values in order oflikelihood of a match between the plurality of bank notes and thecounterfeit bank note; and retrieving the initial transaction log basedon the comparison result, if the comparison result indicates that theone or more initial images of one of the plurality of bank notes arewithin a range of similarity to the one or more subsequent images of thecounterfeit bank note, wherein the steps of extracting one or moreinitial images from the plurality of bank notes and extracting one ormore subsequent images from the counterfeit bank note are carried outusing the same image extraction device.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the step of extracting one or more initial images comprises:extracting a front side initial image in a first initial position;extracting a front side initial image in a second initial position;extracting a back side initial image in a first initial position; andextracting a back side initial image in a second initial position. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the step of extracting one or moresubsequent images comprises: extracting a front side subsequent image ina first subsequent position; extracting a front side subsequent image ofthe counterfeit bank note in a second subsequent position; extracting aback side subsequent image of the counterfeit bank note in a firstsubsequent position; and extracting a back side subsequent image of thecounterfeit bank note in a second subsequent position.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the step of comparing comprises comparing eachsubsequent image in each subsequent position a plurality of times to acorresponding initial image.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the oneor more initial images of said one of the plurality of bank notesinclude a unique characteristic that is specific to said one of theplurality of bank notes, and wherein the unique characteristic includesother information besides a serial number of the said of the pluralityof bank notes.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of comparingcomprises: analyzing image characteristics using a Euclid distanceformula; and determining that the one or more initial images and the oneor more subsequent images have a Euclid distance near zero, wherein therange of similarity includes having a Euclid distance near zero.
 13. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the steps of the method are stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium as one or more instructions fortracing bank notes, wherein the one or more instructions, when executedby one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performthe steps of the method.
 14. The automatic teller machine of claim 1,wherein the one or more initial images of the one of the plurality ofbank notes include a unique characteristic that is specific to said oneof the plurality of bank notes, and wherein the unique characteristicincludes other information besides a serial number of said one of theplurality of bank notes.